The Filipino Catholic

24 Pages·2010·5.52 MB·English

The Filipino
CATHOLIC
VOL. 14, NO. 10 Spreading the Good News May 12 - June 9 , 2010
SANTACRUZAN
sa village
OUR LADY OF MANAOAG
During the month
of May, Filipinos
celebrate “Flores de
Mayo” or Flowers
of May. It is a
beloved festival that
honors the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
Santacruzan is a festivity that commemorates Queen
Helena’s search for the Holy Cross. According to
legend, Queen Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine,
discovered three crosses. She instructed one of her sick
Our Lady of Antipolo at
servants to lay on all three crosses and the one where
the servant was miraculously healed was believed to Flores de Mayo in Floral
be the True Cross of Christ. The anniversary of Queen
Helena’s discovery of the cross is on May 3. Park, New York
L DY and Her Children Pilgrimages
cordially invite you to join us ITINERARY
MAR 17(Thu): DEPART USA
Depart from the USA for a transatlantic flight
to follow the ...
to Athens.
MAR 18(Fri): ARRIVAL ATHENS - EMBARKATION
Arrive m Athens. Meet and greet at the
THE FOOTSTEPS OF ST. PAUL and airport. Drive to Piraeus Port and embark
your cruise ship, enjoying the fellowship of
other Christians and excellent teaching.
THE BOOK OF REVELATIONS CRUISE
MAR 19(Sat): THESSALONIKI - VERIA
Thessaloniki-Visit the Walls, The House of
March 17 - 26, 2011 Jason where Paul lived and the Agora where
he preached. Continue to Veria-ancient
Beroea- to the memorial commemorating
Paul’s preaching to the local Jews in 54 AD.
MAR 20(Sun): KAVALA - PHILIPPI
Lady and Her Children invites group leaders to a familiarization trip to Steps of Paul and Book of revelation
Cruise November 4 to 12 $999.00 only, for would be group leaders and coordinators. This FAM trip Kavala (ancient Neapolis), the site where
includes Air line ticket from New York/New Jersey. Paul, Timothy and Silas landed on the coast
of Thrace. From there, visit Philippi where
Paul lived, preached and was imprisoned
Your FAM cost/fare will be fully refunded when you book your next group with us on March 17, 2011.
and the Baptistery of Lydia, where the first
Please see ad for daily Itinerary
baptism on European soil took place.
Spouse travels the same price. Only group leaders who will make a group deposit of $ 100.00 per person, for
MAR 21(Mon): ISTANBUL
March 2011 Cruise at least 15 + 1 (free) passenger. Please call for more information, Evelyn at(646) 775 1164.
In the morning we arrive in Istanbul, one of
the world’s greatest historic cities. Formerly
Byzantium, the center of the Eastern Roman
Empire, this city is built on seven green hills and
situated astride two continents. East meets West
Steps CRISTAL
in every way. We visit the Topkapi Palace with
its harem and fabulous treasure chambers,
the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque with its
six minarets, and St. Sofia, converted to a
Under Spiritual Direction of
mosque from a Christian basilica after the fall of
Constantinople in 1453.
Rev. Frank Cregan, OAR
MAR 22(Tue): DIKILI - PERGAMON
A tour from Dikili (our port) is to Pergamon,
the great city of Bergama and a city of the
Book of Revelation. It is one of the best-
preserved ancient sites in Turkey.
Christian actors will
$2245* MAR 23(Wed): KUSADASI - EPHESUS -
dramatize on board MILETUS
the life of Paul Arrive at Kusadasi. Visit Ephesus, the most
Category 1, inside cabin
impressive archeological site in Turkey, including
and other biblical
the Great Amphitheater where Paul spoke to the
characters. $2445* Ephesians. An afternoon tour to Miletus, where
Paul delivered his touching farewell address the
elders of Ephesus and predicted his death, for
Category 3, outside cabin those wishing to visit the place.
MAR 24(Thu): PATMOS
* If paid before August 31st, 2010
Patmos, the “Holy Island” for the Christian
Includes flights from Newark airport faith. This is the place where the apocalyptic
Revelation of John was written during his
exile from the Roman Empire. We visit the
Deposit of $600.00. cave and the monastery of St. John.
Send to: Evelyn Buenafe, 289 Grace Ave Secaucus New Jersey.
MAR 25(Fri): DISEMBARKATION - ATHENS -
CORINTH
Disembark the cruise ship and begin the tour of
INCLUSIONS Contact for more information: Athens. Visit among other masterpieces of the
“Golden Age” the Acropolis, the agora and the
* Roundtrip Air out of Newark
Evelyn Buenafe
Mars Hill where Paul taught. Continue to ancient
* 7 nights cruise incl. all meals (B,L,D) Corinth. Visit the ruins of the ancient city where
LADY and Her Children
Paul worked. See the remains of first-century
* Athens and Corinth tour
Tel/FAX [phone] shops, the agora where Paul was on trial at
* Airport and port transfers the Bema, the Fountain of Peirene, Temple of
E-mail: [email protected] Apollo and visit the museum. Return to Athens.
* Shore excursions
Overnight.
* One Night Athens
MAR 26(Sat): DEPART ATHENS Transfer
Cherry Gumapac: 732-485-6006 to the airport and fly back home
Stella Infante: 951-735-3663
Plus airport taxes: $ 492 p.p.
Plus port taxes: $ 248 p.p. Arnold Buenafe: 415-690-7252
Plus fuel surcharge: $ 63 p.p.
2
Page • May 12 - June 9, 2010 • The Filipino Catholic
frOM thE EditOr
The
Two men came to a doctor’s waiting room. The younger of the two sat to the left of the other, and
Filipino initiated a conversation. The older man just tilted his head, gave some signs and said “Right ... right”.
The young man continued talking to the old man without really getting any proper response. This went
on for a while until the old man, who was evidently hard of hearing, cupped his right ear to listen and
Catholic
said painstakingly, “Right ear ... right ear”.
One of life’s frustrations, is the unfortunate situation of not being heard.
The Filipino Catholic When we have prayed for a long time and have stormed heaven’s gates without getting any answer, it
(BN96001443), an independent is easy to think that our prayers had fallen on deaf ears. This, of course, is a silly notion. God is not
newsmagazine with editorial deaf. A good question to ask ourselves might be, “Do we take the time to listen to what God is asking
offices at us to do?”
453 Hawthorne Ave.,
Uniondale, NY 11553, is If the young man in my story had stopped long enough to listen or to pay attention to the signs given by
Manny Pascual
published monthly and the old man, he might have realized sooner what he was being asked to do in order to be heard.
distributed free
in New York. Prayer is a two-way conversation with God. As in any conversation, we are not to do all the talking. There comes a time when we have
The Filipino Catholic is staffed to be still and silent so that we can understand what God is saying to us.
by volunteers. Views expressed
by the contributing writers do
Although God does not speak audibly to our ears, he does speak to us in many different ways. God speaks to us through his Son Jesus,
not necessarily reflect the views
his Word and his commands . He also speaks to us through his Holy Spirit, through our conscience, through other people, and even
of the publisher or the Catholic
through our circumstances.
Church.
However, all kinds of sounds come to us from every direction and they take away the uninterrupted focus that we owe to God every day.
LETTERS AND
And even when we make an effort to turn down the volume of the world around us, the mind continues with its nonstop chatter. We
CONTRIBUTIONS
continue talking to ourselves about our worries and regrets, our anger and frustrations, our judgment of others, our plans, our desires and
Contributions from our readers
of course, our needs.
are welcome but subject
to approval, editing and
condensation. Please include “Speak Lord, your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:1-20. We must approach prayer with a listening heart. Those who have been doing
names, addresses and phone the talking for a long time may find this quiet prayer to be a difficult transition. I probably would. But it is certainly worth the effort
numbers on all correspondence. everyday to spend time tuning in to God and his Word.
However, unpublished
materials cannot all be What can we do that our prayers may pierce heaven’s gates? I don’t know about you but I know that I have a lot of listening and learning
acknowledged or returned. to do. What does God require of us that our prayers may be heard? I believe the answer comes when we stop long enough to listen with
our hearts and our spirit.
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In the end, if we are patient with our trials, if we seek the Lord’s will and commands, if we give him the focus and attention that he
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deserves, I imagine that we might begin to understand what he requires of us ... or we might hear the soft silent voice within us which
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Contributing Writers Of faith and Practicality
& Columnists:
Rev. Peter James R. Alindogan
“With God nothing shall be impossible.“
Rev. Euly B. Belizar, Jr. The May Bonanza of Blessings
- Luke 1:37
Rev. Basilio Colasito
Msgr. R. Dimaculangan The flowers and blue skies are back! It’s spring time again. It’s May. And yes, it’s about time. That
Art Esguerra last winter was harsh, not so much for the cold, the bitter wind, and the great deal of snow, but for the
Robert Fernandez awful timing. We had just gone through a devastating economic crash that took us into winter with
Andrea Florendo depleted resources. Many of us suffered cold and hunger for the very first time in our lives. Many of
Fr. Alfred Guthrie us thought we would never survive. Many of us prayed like never before in our lives.
Araceli Medrano
The flowers and the good weather are signs that our prayers have been answered. Those who
Norma Pascual
continued to have faith through all the trials are now being rewarded. There is no way that our
John Primi
prayers are not going to be answered. God who never lies promised it Himself: “Ask and it shall be
Fr. James Reuter
given to you; seek and you shall find.” May is the month that God chose to show us His love. May
Sonia S. Salerni
is the month of Jesus’ Ascension into Heaven, the month of the Holy Spirit coming down to inspire
Rene Tubilleja
and console His faithful, and the month of the celebration of the Holy Trinity. We Filipinos also by Rene Tubilleja
Maria Pascual
dedicate the whole month of May to the daily laying of flowers at the feet of Our Blessed Mother.
Laura Vogel
Jeanne Young Our churches and chapels resound with children’s songs and prayers every afternoon in May, and finishes off the month with a fiesta-like
procession in her honor.
Photography
The month of May is like a bonanza of blessings, for even the Saints we commemorate in May are usually our most popular patrons.
Henry Medrano
St. Joseph the Worker celebrates his feast day on the 1st of May. He is Jesus’ father-figure, protector, provider and of course, childhood
Albert Betito
hero. We should come to him for our economic needs, as he understands our predicaments and has an incredible power of intercession
Circulation & Distribution
with Our Lord who once called him “Dad.” St. Philip and St. James on May 3rd are two of Jesus’ closest friends and apostles. St.
Jun Makinano
Matthias, on May 14th, who replaced Judas after his betrayal and death, had been a disciple of Jesus since His baptism at Jordan. One of
Wendel Javier
my favorite Saints who has been my intercessor for matters of health since my childhood is St. Rita of Cascia (May 22nd). When I was 12,
after a novena to St. Rita, I miraculously got healed of my asthma that used to debilitate me during my early years. That miracle, which
Spiritual Director
I thought was near impossible, gave me the chance to be able to enter the seminary. I have never had a single attack since then. Later in
Fr. Joe Cadusale
life, St. Rita also helped me out with another almost impossible feat—to quit smoking. St. Philip of Neri, known to be the most jovial
Editor & Publisher and humorous of the Saints, was the personal favorite of my late father. His own birthday fell on the feast day of St. Philip on May 26th.
Manny Pascual Venerable Bede and St. Joan of Arc also are celebrated in the month of May. Rounding up the joyful celebration of sanctity on May 31st
is the Visitation of Mary to Elizabeth, in an expression of great charity even at the expense of her own comfort and little resources.
Write us at:
Common to all the saints above is a virtue that they practiced to a heroic degree, that of being forgiving. They forgave their enemies,
The Filipino Catholic
P.O. Box 3067 even to the point of death. Forgiving entails great sacrifice, which is why it truly is a saintly virtue. But our human nature, prone to vin-
Garden City, NY 11531 dictiveness, prevents us from doing it. So it is important that we receive divine strength to accomplish it, and our Patron Saints who have
done it in their life are there to help us obtain this grace from Our Lord. Let’s start with baby steps and be a bit more forgiving of little an-
[phone] phone/fax noyances around us this month of May. We don’t have to wait for the big occasions to forgive, because little sacrifices like these can add
Email: [email protected] up and could even prepare us for that big occasion, if it comes. Let us offer these sacrifices to Our Mother, as the most fragrant bouquet
of flowers that we can lay at her feet, to the hymn of Salve Regina that our children would be singing in their Flores de Mayo daily visits.
3
The Filipino Catholic • May 12 - June 9, 2010 • Page
FROM THE PULPIT
without the offer to sacrifice, there can never be love.
Loving one another can never be easy, but love is the way to God. Pierre Teilhard de
The Language of Love
Chardin may have said it best, “It is impossible to love Christ without loving others, and
it is impossible to love others without moving nearer to Christ.”
by Fr. Peter James R. Alindogan It is part of our human nature that not everybody can like us. It is also part of our
being human that we cannot like everybody. Maybe we find some of them obnoxious
I am sure most of us find it interesting when
and rude. Maybe we just do not like them. Or, perhaps we see them as reflections of
children speak their mind about love. Concerning
ourselves and we do not like what we see.
why love happens between two particular people,
There will always be an excuse to not liking people. But there is no excuse in not
Jan, 9, says, “No one is sure why it happens, but I
loving. How can we not love if every breath we take is an expression of love? How can
heard it has something to do with how you smell.
we not love if every life we bring to this world has been a part of love? How can we not
That’s why perfume and deodorant are so popular.”
love if the very life we have now and the life promised to us are consequences of love?
What is the proper age to get married? Judy, 8, says,
It would be great if love were just ours for the choosing. It would be neat if love were
“Eighty-four! Because at that age, you don’t have
just ours for the picking. It would be so convenient if love were just left to our own
to work anymore, and you can spend all your time
regard and consideration.
loving each other in your bedroom.” What do most
But real and true love is not like that. It will not be love at all if we are choosy, picky
people think when they say I love you? Michelle, 9,
and finicky. Love does not just welcome a few, but accepts all. Love does not just
says, “The person is thinking: Yeah, I really do love
choose a few, but embraces all. Love does not just prefer a few, but affirms, respects and
him. But I hope he showers at least once a day.”
forgives all. As Shakespeare wrote in Hamlet, “There’s the rub.”
And how to make love endure? Tom, 7, says, “Spend most of your time loving instead
There is a deeper reason to love one another. That reason is in the word forever,
of going to work. Roger, 8, says, “Don’t forget your wife’s name. That will mess up the
which means heaven for us who believe. We have to love because love is forever. And,
love.”
if love is not forever, what is forever for? As the song says, “When I fall in love, it will
Like these children, love is still a mystery to most of us. In his book Man’s Search for
be forever.”
Meaning, Victor Frankl wrote, “A thought transfixed me: For the first time in my life I
In the movie Butterflies Are Free, the superficial, scatterbrained nymphet played so
saw the truth as it set into song by so many poets, proclaimed as the final wisdom by so
well by Goldie Hawn is portrayed in the act of running away from her blind lover. She
many thinkers. The truth—that love is the ultimate and highest goal to which man can
explains her flight, “…because you are blind. You’re crippled!” In the most profound
aspire. Then I grasped the meaning of the greatest secret that human poetry and human
moment of the movie, the young man replies, “No, I am not crippled. I am sightless but
thought and belief have to impart: the salvation of man is through love and in love.”
not crippled. You are crippled, because you can’t commit yourself to anyone. You can’t
Love is the language of God. When God created the earth and sent His Son, it was
belong!”
because of love. When His Son decided to save the world, it was because of love. And
Jesus wants us to love one another because He wants us to belong, to become and to
when the Holy Spirit dwelt upon us in every action we make, it is because of love.
be with Him forever. Real love changes people because it means commitment to love
Jesus became the Word of God because to know Jesus is to know love. God wants
forever. A love that is forever sheds its temporary masks of insecurity and accepts the
us to love one another as he has loved us. How has he loved us? Always and ever. No
real you. A love that is forever has no games to play or roles to do. A love that is forever
matter what, when, who, where, why. No matter how. God loves us to death and that
is ready to share, to sacrifice and to offer.
makes me shudder in thought. Because if we have to love as Jesus wants us, we need to
In heaven where love is forever, words we know would mean nothing. And before the
love one another until death.
God of everything, the language He would speak is the language of love.
All of us who have been in love and had been loved know what that kind of love
means. No lover is immune to tears and suffering. Every lover knows the value of
Rev. PJ Alindogan is the pastor at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Cinnaminson, NJ. This
pain and loneliness. For without the readiness to suffer, without the inclination to cry,
homily was delivered on May 2, 2010.
Imitating Mother Mary 4. Moms have magic; they make you feel better without medicine.
To all the mothers present today – grandmothers, stepmothers and spiritual mothers
John 15:9-17
included – we offer you our unending gratitude and love. God bless and protect you
Four brothers left home for college, and always! Happy Mothers’ Day!
became successful in their chosen careers. In But as we give due tribute to our earthly mothers, we look at the Blessed Virgin
a few years they became very rich. One time Mary, the Mother of Jesus. On the cross, Jesus entrusted her to us as our Mother. Since
they got together, they talked about the gift then, she has become our mother, the mother of all mankind, the Mother of the Church.
each one gave to their elderly mother. The first Mothers’ Day belongs to her, first and foremost.
said, “I had a big house built for Mom.” The In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus said: “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and
second said, “Mom loved the movies. So I built my Father will love him and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.”
for her a mini-theatre in the house.” The third Mary is “blessed among women”, the greatest of all mothers, not because of any
said, “I bought a Mercedes limousine for her so personal merit of hers. She still is a mere creature. Her greatness comes solely from
that she can go anywhere in style.” The fourth God. She became truly pleasing and special in the eyes of God for she loved Jesus in
said, “Mine is the best gift. You know Mom the most perfect way; she kept his word in her heart; and so the Father loved her. In her,
loved reading the Bible everyday. But her eyes therefore, dwells the Triune God. Through her humble and unconditional obedience
are not that good anymore. I met this priest to God’s will, she has become the Privileged Daughter of the Father, the Immaculate
who told me about a parrot that can recite the Mother of the Son and the Beloved Spouse of the Holy Spirit. In short, Mary she is the
entire Bible. It took twenty priests twenty long God-bearer (Theotokos), the New Ark of the Covenant. Her true greatness lies in the
by Fr. Mike Lagrimas years to teach him. I pledged $100,000 annual fact that God perfectly dwells in her.
contribution for twenty years to the church to We cannot imitate Mary in her Immaculate Conception – that is her unique privilege
acquire this parrot, but it was worth it. Mama says the chapter and verse and the parrot for her role as the Mother of the Son of God. But we can imitate her by being temples
will recite it.” This really impressed the other brothers. of the Holy Spirit, living tabernacles of the Most High. In Baptism, not only did we
After the holidays, Mom sent out thank you cards to her sons. She wrote: “James, the become God’s children; we also became God’s dwelling place. God resides in us for we
house you built is so huge. I live in only one room, but I have to clean the entire house. have become His beloved children in Jesus Christ.
Thanks anyway. “John, the theater is just amazing! It can easily accommodate fifty This is precisely the reason why Jesus identified himself with us, especially in the
people. But all my friends are dead, I’ve lost my hearing and I’m nearly blind. I’ll never poor and the oppressed. In Mathew 25, he was categorically strong in his declaration:
use it. Thank you for your kindness.” “Jess, I am too weak to travel by car. I just stay “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, that you do unto me.” In fact, this is the
home and order everything online. I will never use the limousine. Thanks for the gift.” ultimate basis of the Last Judgment. We will be judged according to how much we have
“Dearest Jake, of all my sons, you are the only who has the good sense. Your gift was loved one another, especially the poor and the underprivileged, for truly, God resides in
great! The chicken was delicious! Thank you.” (Adapted from Fr. M. Ezeogu) each one of us.
This Sunday we celebrate Mothers’ Day. We express our endless gratitude to our A little boy was asked where we could find God. He quickly replied: “Inside Mom’s
mothers for their love and care for us. Truly, mothers are God’s instruments in imparting shoes!” And he explained: “When Mom goes home from work, she would always say:
to us the gift of life and they have shown us the example of unconditional and self- ‘Thank you, O God!’ every time she takes off her shoes.”
sacrificing love. A group of second grade school children were asked this question: This Sunday, let us offer this Eucharist in thanksgiving to God for our mothers, living
What’s the difference between moms and dads? Here are their answers: and departed, who have loved us so selflessly. Let us thank God for giving us Mary, the
1. Moms work at work, and work at home; and dads just go to work at work. Mother of Jesus, to be our Mother also. And let us thank God for giving us the same
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them. privilege as Mary – living tabernacles and dwelling places of God. Like mothers, let us
3. Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power ‘cause that’s who conceive Jesus in our hearts, and through our lives of true holiness and love, share him
you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends. with others. This is the best way of giving the greatest glory to God.
4
Page • May 12 - June 9, 2010 • The Filipino Catholic
FAMILY and CULTURE
by: Fr. Ronald S. Quijano, SThD
Flowers of May death of her husband, and Solomon was guilty of
The month of May is known as the Flores de Mayo, a time dedicated for catechesis of sexual immorality and of bringing the kingdom on
children and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. It may be a pastoral strategy set by the the verge of bankruptcy.
early missionaries since most of children stay at home during summer and parents should The Prophet Isaiah (Is. 11:1-10) was the first to
work in the fields during the day. Since rain usually falls on the first week of May, it is a sign announce the coming of the Messiah, a king like
that parents should start tilling the land. Thus the kids are entrusted to the local catechist at David and Solomon but better than them. In him
the chapel every afternoon to learn the basic prayers, bible stories, songs, rosaries, novena the spirit of God will have his indwelling: 1). A
and floral offering to the Blessed Mother. Snacks are also served, normally coming from spirit of wisdom and intelligence, as Solomon had;
the daily sponsor, who may also be their parents. 2). A spirit of prudence and strength, like David;
I observe, however, that some barrio chapels are built closer to the basketball court or and 3). A spirit of knowledge and respect for the
plaza. During afternoon catechism, children are easily destructed due to the noise com- Lord, as Moses and the Patriarchs had. The main
ing from the basketball game, loud music for disco, or maybe from TV sets of a nearby purpose why the Spirit of God is invoked for those
house. Remember, the chapel does not have facilities conducive for learning the faith like who serve the public office that they may live a
blackboards or over head projector. The catechists only utilize the cartolina for instruc- moral kind of life.
tion or dictate orally the subject matter to be memorized by the children. No wonder that Isaiah described the imagery of the coming of
I overheard the kids telling one another, “Come on, let’s go the chapel, it’s already time the Messiah-King: “The wolf will dwell with the lamb; the leopard will rest beside the kid;
for takesis!” the calf and the lion cub will feed together; and the cattle will lead them. Like cattle, the
Aside from the Summer Catechetical Institute at the Sacred Heart Seminary every lion will eat hay…by the cobra’s den, the infant will play.” The Kingship of the Messiah
month of April to professionalize our catechists, the CSA-B is also sponsoring the Center will bring unity, peace, love, and full reconciliation of people.
for Integrated Faith Formation for the whole year. These are good signs that we recognize It is the start of political campaign. Every political candidate has his own gimmick to
the importance of catechism in our parish community. The Commission on Catechesis I attract the attention of voters. Let us support virtuous leaders who can truly bring renewal
believe is organizing Mini-CI to the different parishes to train local catechists to assist the and progress; and have the will to put an end to this culture of lying, cheating, stealing,
Flores de Mayo celebration. I am amazed by the generosity of young professionals, retired killing and systemic corruption crippling our nation. How I wish that our Filipino politi-
teachers, and volunteer students eager to teach the faith to our florestas. It is a way of sow- cians should learn not only from the wisdom of the Greeks and the Jews but from the
ing the seeds into the hearts of these children and allowing them to grow to maturity. Spirit of God himself!
How I wish that we invest more on catechetical ministry in our parish. Let us improve
our pastoral strategy and even our facilities to attract the attention of the young to the Blessings of Victory at 150th
Word. Be generous to share not only our material resources but also our gift of persons, our My home parish in Victorias City, Our Lady of Victory Parish, is celebrating her 150th
time, knowledge and skills. A ministry which does not cost anything, accomplishes noth- foundation anniversary like the Immaculate Conception Parish of Murcia and St. Joseph
ing! St. Paul says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Any amount of kindness we show to our the Worker Parish of E.B. Magalona. The blessings of Jubilee (Lv. 25; Is. 61; and Lk. 4:16-
catechists for teaching the faith, will never go unrewarded. Lastly, an adequate catechesis 20) consist of joyful thanksgiving, forgiveness of sins, and restoration of God’s creation. I
which focuses on the cognitive, affective, and practical dimensions of man will certainly made a random list of all priests and religious coming from my home town and it showed
initiate inner change among our people. 30 priests all. Victorias City has four parishes now (Our Lady of Victory, Mt. Carmel, Daan
Banwa, and Vicmico) but it is nice to highlight the priestly and religious vocations coming
Lasallianation from this place for they are the fruits of the community prayers, asking God to send more
La Salle’s University Week celebration last September 22-26 adopted the theme: In- shepherds to care for his flock. Among the thirty priests, the diocesan priests are 12, the
vasion of La Sallian Animo or simply called La Sallianation. It is a combination of two religious priests are 18 (majority are Salesians and 1 Recolletos). Among the thirty priests,
words: Lasallian and Nation. The change that we want to see in our country begins in there are 23 who are still in the ministry, 5 left the priesthood, and 3 deceased). One of
every Filipino, in every Lasallian. It poses a great challenge indeed on how to make the the priests elevated to the episcopacy is Bishop Broderick Pabillo of the Archdiocese of
spirit of U-Week activities much greener. The event is not just about wearing green t-shirt Manila. There are three religious brothers and around 25 sisters belonging to different
for one week, not just about fun- filled interesting activities, not so much on who is the congregations. Seminarians as of the moment are growing in number. Since faith comes
strongest and most talented, not just about having no classes for several days. Rather, it through the context of the family, we also give higher appreciation to married life as a
is about us – who we are today as Lasallians, how we have been in the past, and what we vocation for it is the seedbed of vocations to priestly and consecrated life.
can do to improve our future. Every parish as I observe is unique in terms of their faith experience and growth as
Imagine, there are 17 La Sallian district schools in the Philippines, with a total of around a community. There are phenomenal practices proper only to a particular parish. For in-
97, 000 students. Take note almost 10,000 students are coming from USLS, St. Benilde stance, when we were kids, we were asked by our teachers to drop by in the Church after
and St. Joseph’s, including the alumni, teachers and staff. Such is a great bulk of people the class, to say thank you to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament even though our school was
to initiate change if we are just willing to do it together. Central to our La Sallian vision- few blocks away from the Church. When I was a seminarian I happened to inquire from
mission is our commitment to Faith, Zeal for Service and Communion in Mission. These Msgr. Manuel Dormido about this practice. He explained that our teachers now are the
are the values we need to embrace if we really want to see inner change. As our desire for same young students frequenting the Church before, and been taught of moral values and
change is imperative for every Lassalian, hopefully the same passion for change should devotional practices. When they became teachers, they simply transmitted to their students
permeate all strata of our society. what they acquired from their elders. No wonder that even during weekday masses, there
Jesus demands inner change for those who wish to learn in the school of discipleship. are hundreds of people present in the church as if it is like Sunday.
“My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and put this into prac- The present church edifice was constructed during the time of Fr. Crispin Ruiz, a medi-
tice.” Jesus does not neglect his natural mother or his cousins. In fact, he comes home cal doctor who became priest. He was succeeded by his cousin Fr. Manuel Dormido in
because he loves them. But he emphasizes a deeper meaning here, that membership to his the early 1950’s. At that time they could hardly finish their project due to lack of funds, so
spiritual family transcends blood relationship. There is no “kamag anak incorporated” or both of them sold their inheritance, their family lands in Taloc, just to fulfill their vision
nepotism in Christian discipleship. Mary is a perfect model of discipleship, not because for Victorias. They offered everything for the growth of faith of the people they loved and
she’s his natural mother, but deep within she listened to the Word and put this into practice. served! Fr. Casimiro Lladoc, the one who officiated the wedding of my parents in 1960’s
The change that we envision for our Lasallianation will indeed come true if we commit built the rectory, and all my siblings were baptized in that Church. The space allotted for
ourselves wholeheartedly, not only as listeners but also doers of God’s Word. me in Adsum may not be enough to narrate all the succeeding events during the time of Fr.
Jose Mangon, Fr. Ruperto Palma, Fr. Roberto Bayona, Fr. GG Gaston, Fr. Rodolfo Pacheco,
Aiming for a Virtuous Life Fr. German Templa, Fr. Aris Dormido, Fr. Jiji Caraig, Fr. Tomas Rito, and now Fr. Orlando
Aristotle described in his Nicomachean Ethics the inner life of the city of Athens. He Gargar, and their associate priests who assisted our parish. They all served my parish with
coined the word eudaimonia which means “the best possible life” as the ultimate goal of so much love. I think of the thousands of baptism, confirmation, communion, anointing of
every Athenian. To achieve this purpose of life, every Athenian must possess necessary the sick, confessions, marriage in that church. If only the bricks, the rocks, the wood, the
virtues. The city, in order to be prosperous, must be ruled by a philosopher-king. Resi- walls and pavements can speak, they will certainly say that there is never a time when God
dency in Athens, however, was acquired not by birth but by the age of eighteen. To be a is closing his eyes on his people. It is in that place where I served as an acolyte since grade
philosopher-king, the person must study virtues for fifty five years. To sum up: 18 + 55 five and realized my priestly vocation through active involvement in different ministries,
= 73, by this time the politician has no more sensual desires for power, prestige, money, services and fellowship with the priests and the parishioners. We have been blest by many
and even beauty. His concern is solely for the common good, on how to make his people zealous and kind hearted pastors for many years. In their honest dedication to work, they
experience eudaimonia. have left a great impact in the hearts of believers. The fellowship experienced by the lay
The Jewish monarchy, on the other hand, was established by God with two condi- associations and members of BEC, the services rendered by the liturgical ministers, family
tions: The King should speak in behalf of the God, and he should protect the rights of the life ministers, and catechists are fruits of the collaborative ministry shown by the priests
anawim or the poor ones of Yahweh. It was during the time of David and Solomon where to their flock for many years. If ever we see clearly now, it’s because we are just standing
the united monarchy experienced its golden years. Once there is economic abundance, at the shoulders of our predecessors. Indeed their names have been written not only in the
expect also of a moral backlash. David was guilty of adultery with Bathsheba and the archives but in the hearts of the faithful. Congratulations!
5
The Filipino Catholic • May 12 - June 9, 2010 • Page
happenings
by AA Medrano
20th Sayawan sa Village
The Filipino Pastoral Ministry hosted another
successful event in the village sponsored by the
Santo Nino Prayer Groups of New York (SPG-
NY) on Saturday April 24, 2010. For years the
Lisa Viray , 2010
Sayawan sa Village has always been the leading
Hermana Mayor of the
event in the village. This year’s event was a huge
Feast of Our Lady of
success because of your support. For 20 years, the
Manaog, crowns the
annual Sayawan sa Village has proven its staying
image of Our Lady
power once again. We are grateful to all of you for
during the celebration
your continued patronage. And for all those who
at the Immaculate
missed the all night dancing event, we hope to see
Conception Church in
you next year. In addition to the all-night danc-
Jamaica, Queens last
ing, door prizes were given away, and there was a
May 2.
surprise KURATSA dance performed by Fr. Romy
Montero and Marichu as the finale.
FEAST OF OUR LADY OF MANAOAG
The San Lorenzo Ruiz Association of America (SLRAA) celebrated the feast day cel-
ebration of the Queen of Most Holy Rosary Our Lady of Manaoag held at the Immaculate
Conception Church in Jamaica, Queens on May 2, 2010. The beautiful celebration was
hosted by the San Lorenzo Ruiz Devotional Group of Jamaica Estate chapter. The proces-
sion started after 4:00 P.M. immediately followed by the concelebrated Mass officiated by on June 20, 2010.
Fr. Matthew Didone, C.S., Provincial Superior of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo The traditional transfer of the Santo Nino image to the different sponsor every week
as main celebrant and homilist. The concelebrants of the Mass were Msgr. Oscar Aquino, for each chapter is done at Our Lady of Pompei during the nine Sunday’s novena.
Msgr. Bayani Valenzuela, Fr. Mark Escobar, Fr. Jed Sumampong, Pastor, Immaculate Con-
ception Church, Fr. Nil Villaviza and Msgr. Romulo Montero as master of ceremonies. This year’s Santo Nino Fiesta is hosted by the Santo Nino Prayer Groups of New
Other participants in the Mass: Lectors - Stephen Pappas and Damara Viray, Altar York – Manhattan chapter.
servers - Dado Acayan, Romy Zamudio, Douglas Ealdama, Ed Pascual. Eleanor Parico
and Dr. Prosy Lim, the incoming 2011 Hermano and Hermana Mayores led the prayer to 20th Flores de Mayo and Santakrusan sa Village
San Lorenzo Ruiz. The offertory participants: Flowers - Marilyn Viray, Petition Basket- The annual Flores de Mayo and Santakrusan sa Vil-
Violeta Salvador, Fruits -Marina Dionela, Wine - Liza Viray, Ciborium -Paz Viray. The lage held every year by the Filipino Pastoral Ministry
past hermanos and hermanas mayores led the congregation in the offering of flowers. Bro. began on Sunday May 2 for the weekly flower offering
Adolfo Novio, the music director and Sally Alonso, cantor of Our Lady of Pompei church of the children to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
provided the music for the Mass. Young girls and boys of different ages were able
Congratulations to the 2010 Hermanas Mayores, Liza and Maria Paz Viray and their to experience our cherished tradition of “Pag-aalay
families for a very beautiful and successful celebration. Liza Viray placed the crown made ng bulaklak sa Mahal na Birhen”. If you would like
out of fresh flowers to Our Lady of Manaoag after their installation as hermanas mayores. your children to participate, please come and bring
Maria Paz led the prayer to Our Lady of Manaoag. flowers for the Virgin Mary at Our Lady of Pompei
The officers and members of the San Lorenzo Ruiz Association in America, Inc. (SLRAA) Church, on Sunday for the 3:00 P.M. Misang Pilipino.
and the San Lorenzo Ruiz Devotional Chapter- Jamaica Estates would like to express a Everybody is welcome.
heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have contributed their time, effort and financial sup- The culmination of the weekly Flores de Mayo
port for the successful celebration of the Feast Day of the Most Holy Rosary Our Lady will be on May 30 with the Crowning of the Image of
of Manaoag especially to all devotees of Our Lady of Manaoag and San Lorenzo Ruiz the Blessed Virgin Mary followed by the procession
who attended the celebration. And especially to our FRIENDS, SPONSORS, DONORS, or the Santakrusan sa Village with the different Sa- 2010 Reyna Elena
BENEFACTORS – Thank You for your continued support. galas. The Reyna de las Flores will crown the Blessed Ashley Laurencio
Virgin Mary and the Reyna Elena will lead the annual
Santo Nino Novena and Fiesta procession in the village.
After the successful Sayawan sa Village sponsored by the Filipino Pastoral Ministry Ashley Laurencio is the Reyna Elena for the 2010 Flores de Mayo and Santakrusan
and the Santo Nino Prayer Groups of New York, the focus now is on the preparation for sa Village. Selection of other participants is still in progress. This year’s hermana mayor
the 27th annual Pistang Pilipino sa Village in honor of the Santo Nino and the 20th annual – Aida Valdeviezo and coordinator, Chit Laurencio are spearheading the preparation for
Flores de Mayo & Santakrusan sa Village. The weekly novena Mass in honor of Santo the Santakrusan sa Village.
Nino that started on Sunday two weeks ago will continue until the feast day celebration
The very successful
SAYAWAN SA
VILLAGE is a yearly
event at our Lady
of Pompei. Photo
shows Fr. Romy
Hontiveros and Fr.
Fritz Penaranda
having fun with the
ladies at the party.
6
Page • May 12 - June 9, 2010 • The Filipino Catholic
Mother’s Day celebration at Pompei
On SchEdUlE
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL MOTHERS!
We invite all mothers to come and celebrate Mother’s Day at Pompei. Honoring all
mothers every year is the annual tradition initiated by the Filipino Pastoral Ministry at
Masses, novenas, fiestas and other
Our Lady of Pompei Church in Manhattan. All Mothers are welcome. They will receive
important religious celebrations.
special Mother’s day blessing and blessed roses as a token of appreciation to all mothers
present. Please come for the 3:00 P.M. Filipino Mass followed by a reception after the
Mass for all.
“This is the day which the Lord hath
made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
22nd BACLARAN SA VILLAGE - Novena to Mother of Perpetual Help
-- Ps 118:24
The nine days perpetual Novena to Our Mother of Perpetual Help started on April 21
and will continue every Wednesday until the feast day celebration on June 23, 2010 at Our
MAY 2010 EVENTS
Lady of Pompei church. Ms. Nelia Cloma, this year’s Hermana Mayor is coordinating the
May 15, 2010
preparation for the 22nd Annual Baclaran sa Village celebration. Come and join us every
Diocesan Feast of Our Lay of Peace and
Wednesday for the Novena Mass in preparation for the feast day celebration. by Gene Salle
Good Voyage (Antipolo)
3:00 PM Procession and Rosary
“Straight from the Heart...A Prayer Companion”
5:00 PM Filipino Mass
Rev. Fr. Mario Jose C. Ladra, a Filipino diocesan priest and author, was the main June 6, 2010
St. Robert Bellarmine Church
celebrant of the concelebrated Mass on April 18, 2010 at Our Lady of Pompei Church. Fr. 12:15 PM - Filipino Mass
56-12 213 Street, Bayside, NY 11364
Mar was in New York to promote his book, “Straight from the Heart...A Prayer Com- St. Patrick Church,
May 16, 2010
panion.” It is a book of prayers that has touched lives and has changed hearts of thousands 39-38 29th Street, LIC, NY 11101
1:30 PM - Filipino Mass
of people. This piece of work was inspired by the kind of faith of those seeking refuge, (Every 1st Sunday of the Month)
St. Joan of Arc Church
healing, peace, relief and joy that only God can give. A number of cancer patients who are 2:00 PM - Filipino Mass
82-00 35th Ave. Jackson Heights, NY 11372
using this book are truly healed and blessed by God. (Every 2nd Sunday of the Month) Our Lady Help of Christians Church,
Proceeds of the book sale will be given to the Immaculate School of Theology, Vi- 1315 E. 28th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11210
2:00 PM - Filipino Mass
gan City and Immaculate Conception Seminary of the Diocese of Bulacan, Philippines. (Every 1st Sunday of the Month)
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church,
Likewise, part of the proceeds will support the feeding program of the San Lorenzo Ruiz 101-41 91st Street, Ozone Park, NY 11416 1:30 PM - Filipino Mass
Parish of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) Our Lady of the Island
Straight from the Heart is published by St. Pauls and endorsed by Cardinal Gaudencio Eastport, Long Island
2:30 PM - Filipino Mass
Rosales, Archbishop of Manila. With a donation of $8 you could have a soft bound copy Long Island Expressway, Exit 70
Guardian Angel Church
with plastic cover. This book is the best gift of love. (Every 1st Sunday of the month)
2978 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY, 11235
If you would like to have a copy, you could send e-mail to [email protected] (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) June 13, 2010
or call the office of the Filipino Pastoral Ministry 212 727 0214. Limited copies provided 2:00 PM - Filipino Mass
5:00 PM – Filipino Mass
by Fr. Ladra are available at Our Lady of Pompei FPM office. Incarnation Church
St. Bartolomew Church
89-43 Francis Lewis Blvd.,
43-22 Ithaca Street, Elmshurst NY 11373
April Birthday Celebrants (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month) Queens Village, NY 11427
Happy Birthday to all celebrators for the month of April who were included in the Mass (Every 2nd Sunday of the Month)
May 16, 2010 Flores de Mayo
of Thanksgiving on April 25 at Our Lady of Pompei led by: April 02- Vicki Ann Cignarella, 2:00 PM - Filipino Mass
3:30 PM - Procession
05 - Rosalinda Nolasco, 07 - Tiffany Adalem, 10 - Ashley Laurencio, 11 - Caleb Miguel St. Rose of Lima Church
5:00 PM – Filipino Mass
Erana-Lee,12 - Victoria Anna Cignarella, 13 - Gina Valenzuela, 14- Frank Cignarella, 17- 269 Parkville Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11230.
Our Lady of the Snows Church
Perla del Mar, 18 - Ma. Salome H. Alonso, 28 - Annie B. Swanson, 29 - Daisy M. Garcia (Every 2nd Sunday of the Month)
258-17 80th Avenue, Floral Park, NY 11004
& Sonette Vitug Narciso, Ging Papa, Norie P. Claveria, Tess Salvador, Jeremia Salvador, 2:00 PM - Filipino Mass
May 22, 2010 Flores de Mayo
Alicia Arellano, Florence Sikorski. May the Lord shower you with all the blessings from Church of Holy Child Jesus
5:30 PM - Procession
above. Those who were present during the Misang Pilipino were given special birthday 111-11 86th Avenue
6:30 PM – Filipino Mass
blessings by Msgr. Romy Montero. Richmond Hill, NY 11418
Our Lady of Mercy Church
(Every 2nd Sunday of the Month)
70-01 Kessel Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375
New Schedule of San Bartholomew Novena Mass June 20, 2010
(Every 4th Saturday of the Month)
The president of Katbaloganon, U.S.A. Ruben Cinco and hermana mayor, Orange 1:30 PM - Filipino Mass
May 23, 2010
Avisado announced the new schedule for the Novena Masses in honor of the St. Bartho- St. Joan of Arc Church
2:00 PM – Filipino Mass
lomew, Patron Saint of Catbalogan, Samar. The first three Novena Masses will be held at 82-00 35th Ave. Jackson Heights, NY 11372
St. Valentine’s Church located in Bloomfield, New Jersey starting on June 12. The rest of Corpus Christi Church (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month)
the Novena Mass will continue at Our Lady of Pompei Church starting on July 3rd Sat- 31-30 61st Street, Woodside, NY
1:30 PM - Filipino Mass
urday evening. To all the devotees of St. Bartholomew, the Katbaloganons and Warays, (Every 4th Sunday of the Month)
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church
please take note of the new schedule of the Novena Mass. 5:00 PM – Filipino Mass
101-41 91st Street, Ozone Park, NY 11416
June 12 – 27 Sundays 3:00 P.M.– St. Valentine’s Church, 125 North Spring St Bloom- Most PreciousBlood Church (Basement)
field, NJ 07003 32-23 36st Street, Long Island City, NY (Every 3rd Sunday of the Month)
July 3 – 31 , Saturdays 6:30 P.M. – Our Lady of Pompei Church, 25 Carmine St. New 2:30 PM - Filipino Mass
11006
York NY 10014 Guardian Angel Church
May 30, 2010
For more information, please contact Orange Avisado or Ruben Cinco. 2978 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY, 11235
3:00 PM – Filipino Mass
(Every 3rd Sunday of the Month)
Our Lady of Miracles Church
5:00 PM – Filipino Mass
757 East 86th Sreet
FILIPINO PASTORAL MINISTRY OUR LADY OF POMPEI St. Bartolomew Chapel
Brooklyn, NY 11236
CHURCH SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES 43-22 Ithaca Street, Elmshurst NY 11373
(Every 3rd Sunday of the Month)
May to June 2010 JUNE 2010 EVENTS
Wednesday 6:30 P.M. Mother of Perpetual HelpSunday June 26, 2010
June 5, 2010
3:00 P.M. Misang Pilipino * 2:00 PM – Fiesta sa Baclaran OLPH
7:30 PM - Filipino Mass – First Friday
First Friday 6:30 P.M. Mass and Holy Hour Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church
First Saturday 6:30 P.M. Cenacle Sponsored by FDA and Apostleship of
111-50 115th Street, So Ozone Park, NY
Prayer
11420
May St. Jude Church
6:30 PM – Filipino Mass
24 Sun 3:00 PM May Birthday Celebration 1677 Canarsie Road, Brooklyn, NY 11236
30 Sun 3:00 PM 20th Annual May Crowning & Santakrusan (Every 1st Friday of the Month) Our Lady of Mercy Church
Aida Valdeviezo, Hermana Mayor 70-01 Kessel Street, Forest Hills, NY 11375
June 5, 2010
*Fellowship and Free line dancing after the Mass (Every 4th Saturday of the Month)
6:15 PM - Filipino Mass
June June 27, 2010
St. Brigid Church,
06 Sun Philippine Independence Day Parade 2:00 PM – Filipino Mass
409 Linden Street, Brooklyn, NY 11227
04 Fri 6:30 PM 1st Friday Mass & Holy Hour (Every 1st Saturday of the Month) Corpus Christi Church
20 Sun 3:00 PM SANTO NIÑO 27th Feast Day/ Father’s Day 31-30 61st Street, Woodside, NY 11377
7:00 PM - Filipino Mass
Sponsored by the Santo Prayer Groups of NY (Every 4th Sunday of the Month)
Presentation Church,
23 Wed 6:30 PM 22nd Feast day of Mother of Perpetual Help 5:00 PM – Filipino Mass
88-19 Parsons Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11432
Nelia Cloma, Hermana Mayor (Every 1st Saturday of the Month) Most PreciousBlood Church (Basement)
27 Sun 3:00 PM June Birthday celebration 32-23 36st Street, Long Island City, NY
*Fellowship and Free line dancing after the Mass
7
The Filipino Catholic • May 12 - June 9, 2010 • Page

MAY16-25 FATIMA, LOURDES, ZARAGOZA, MADRID $2,299 EWR

 Lisbon, Santarem, Fatima, Burgos, Lourdes, Zaragoza, Madrid
SEP09-21 WATERWAYS OF RUSSIA $2,399 JFK
St. Petersburg, Mandrogi, Kizhi, Goritsy, Yaroslav, Moscow
SEP20-29 BEST OF NORTHERN ITALY $2,399 EWR
Milan, Pavia, Bologna, Verona, Trento, Padua
SEP27-OCT9 EGYPT & HOLY LAND $2,699 JFK
Cairo, Mt Sinai, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tiberias, Cana, Dead Sea
OCT04-14 MILAN, FLORENCE, ASSISI, PADRE PIO, ROME $2,699 MIA
Milan, Florence, Assisi, Lanciano, San Giovanni Rotundo, Rome
OCT09-22 FATIMA, LOURDES, NICE, ROME $3,399 EWR
Fatima, Madrid, Zaragoza, Lourdes, Nice, Florence, Assisi, Rome
OCT18- 29 EGYPT & HOLY LAND $2,699 DTW
Cairo, Mt Sinai, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tiberias, Cana, Dead Sea
OCT18-29 ROME and HOLY LAND $2,999 EWR
Rome, Vatican, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tiberias, Nazareth, Dead Sea
OCT19-27 GERMANY, NETHERLANDS, BELGIUM $2,899 EWR
Frankfurt, Mainz, Maastricht, Louvain, Bruges, Brussels
OCT23-NOV5 EASTERN EUROPE and MEDJUGORJE $3,149 LAX
Warsaw, Krakow, Vienna, Prague, Medjugorje
OCT30-NOV8 HOLY LAND $2,299 EWR
Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tiberias, Cana, Nazareth, Dead Sea
NOV17-28 EGYPT & HOLY LAND $2,599 JFK
Cairo, Mt Sinai, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tiberias, Cana, Dead Sea
NOV28-DEC7 HOLY LAND $2,299 EWR
Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Tiberias, Cana, Nazareth, Dead Sea
DEC08-13 OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE $1,199 EWR
Mexico City, Puebla, Ocatlan, Teotihuacán

MAY19-30 POLAND/CZECH REPUBLIC/AUSTRIA/GERMANY $3,649 EWR
Warsaw, Krakow, Prague, Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Oberammergau,
MAY20-29 ITALY/SWITZERLAND/GERMANY $3,399 EWR
Milan, Turin, Lugano, Lucerne, Oberammergau, Munich
AUG26-SEP4 ITALY/AUSTRIA/GERMANY $3,599 EWR
Milan, Turin, Padua, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Altoetting, Regensburg
SEP08 -19 GERMANY/AUSTRIA/SLOVENIA/CROATIA $3,449 JFK
Oberammergau, Salzburg, Bled, Zagreb, Medjugorje, Dubrovnik
SEP11-22 GERMANY/AUSTRIA/ CZECH REPUBLIC/ POLAND $3,499 EWR
Munich, Oberammergau, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Krakow, Warsaw
SEP18-30 GERMANY/AUSTRIA/SLOVENIA/CROATIA $3,399 EWR
Oberammergau, Salzburg, Bled, Zagreb, Medjugorje, Dubrovnik
SEP26-Oct6 GERMANY/AUSTRIA/ CZECH REPUBLIC/ POLAND $3,399 JFK
Munich, Oberammergau, Salzburg, Vienna, Prague, Krakow, Warsaw

MAY26-JUN8 GREEK AISLES, VENICE, & ROME from $2,040 EWR
Venice, Dubrovnik, Athens, Ephesus, Santorini, Rhodes, Naples, Rome
JUN28-JUL3 5 DAY CANADA &NEW ENGLAND CRUISE from $ 579 NY
 
 

 


8
Page • May 12 - June 9, 2010 • The Filipino Catholic
taGalOG
Awit ni Ka Naldo Rey Lauron
Zarzuela
Alay kay Fr. Mike
Peter James R. Alindogan
Matagal nang panahon ang nakalipas
MISAEL SARITA BACLEON 1948 - 2010
noong itanghal namin ang zarzuela sa
aming lalawigan. Ikalabing daang taon
Ito manding si Ka Naldo, panauhing manunugtog Upang magmisa nga dito, Funeral Lynch ang may-ari ng pagkatatag ng Sorsogon at sinariwa
Nuong taong siyamnapo, sa simbahan nitong lungsod Itong ropang may dibuho, isusuot kong napili
namin ang isinulat ng isang taga roon.
Duon sa Calle Catorze, Abenidang A, B,C,D Ang larawan niyong Ina yaong siyang nakatahi.
Ang pamagat: Pag-ibig sa Tinubuang Lupa
Inmaculada Concepcion, simbahang may sinasabi.
“Heto nga po’t siya kong suot, kung inyo pong ma- at ako ang gumanap ng papel na Alfredo.
Ngunit lalo’t higit bantog ang simbahang sinusugod panuod Asawa niya si Conchita. Katulong nila si
Dahil nga sa manga Pinoy na duon ay nagbubuklod Ay ang larawan ng Ina, Laging Saklolo ang bungsod; Teban at kalaban namin ang mga Kastila.
Lalo’t araw ng Miyerkoles, nobena ang nilulusob Samantala’y siya rin po kasaysayang dinudulot
Dalawa ang nilikha kong kanta. Ang
Kapag linggo ng El Shaddai tila baga sangsinukob. Ng programa nitong misa ng maganak siyang han-
isa ay para kay Alfredo. Paalam at
dog.
Anupanga’t si Ka Naldo sa barkada napasusog; Pagmamahal naman ang pangalawa, awit
Sa awitan, sa dasalan, sa sayawan sumusugod; “Wika’y nuon nga sa umaga, bago pa nga lumisan na, na kaduweto niya si Conchita. Inihahabilin
Manga kasapi ng koro yaong siyang nagtaguyod Alas kwatro ng umaga sa tahanan ng pamilya; niya ang kanyang asawa dahil sasama siya
Upang laging kaagapay itong inyong abang lingkod. Gumising daw yaong anak na si Joseng nasa kama;
sa himagsikan. Matagal rin ang panahong
Tinatawag, ginigising, natutulog niyang ama.
hindi sila magkikita. Kaya sumabay
Ngunit bakit isang araw ang masakit po sa loob
Yaong siyang iniangal, ipinanangis ng lubos “Siya mandi’y nakatayo naghihintay ng paglayo sa pagtulo ng luha ang bawat salitang
Aking anak na si Jose ay may kanser yaong likod; Patungo sa palikuran nang makita yaong anyo; binitiwan at ang bawat tunog ng kanta.
Bale baga’y tatlong taon buong katawan ay lipos. Itong ama’y naguluhan sa anak na nakatayo Nakakatuwang isipin na maaari palang
Sa kama ay nakatakda sa pagdumi siya’y bigo.
pagsabayin ang lahat ng iyon.
Kaarawan niyong Carmel, kapistahang dinadaos;
Ngunit mas maraming natuwa sa awit
Ating Inang si Maria, pinagdiriwang ng lubos; “Yaong tanong nitong ama sa anak na ‘di balisa
Yao’y taong dalawang libo saka isa nang maraos Sa pagtayo at paglakad tila mandin magiisa, ni Teban. Huwag ninyong tuksuhin si
Kamatayan niyong anak na sa Ina inihandog. ‘Bakit anak ikaw ngayon, nakatindig at handa na Teban, wika niya. Dahil marami daw
Sa paglakad sa kasilyas na ngayon ay nagbaha na.’ siyang alam. Dala ang walis bilang
Siya mandi’y inianak, isang libong tao’t pito
panangga at nakalilis ang pantalon bilang
Araw niyong Inang Mahal niyong Banal na Rosaryo; ‘Ako mandin ay inakay ng alalay na dalaga;
paghahanda, bumabatingaw ang boses
Miyerkoles ay ang nobena, Ina ng Laging Saklolo Pagdumi sa palingkuran, ako po ay dumaos na.’
Kung kaya nga’t pinanganlan niyong Banal na Esposo. ‘Ngunit papaano mandin may tutulong na dalaga niyang binigyang timbre ng pinaghirapang
Gayong siya’y dumarating, a las nuwebe ng umaga.’ pawis at pinahirang dugo.
Nuon pa nga’y takdang araw sa bantog na Pamantasan Halos isang dosena kaming mga
Ay aawit yaong sikat na Soprano sa bulwagan ‘Siya nga po ang sa akin ay nagakay nang dumating
kasali. Matagal din kaming nag-ensayo
Si Evelyn Mandac nga po na nagbuhat pa sa Juilliard Alalay ang aking kamay, tila ako’y bubuhatin.’
at naipalabas pa namin sa karatig na
Nuo’y siyang panauhin, alay kundiman sa lahat. Agad kanyang itinuro and larawang nasa dingding,
Larawan ng ating “Ina, Laging Saklolo” ang turing. lalawigan. Tatlo ang naging direktor
Ito namang abang lingkod bilang isang magaaral na kung sa atin-atin lamang, talagang
Makikinig, sasaksihan yaong sikat na palabas; Agad ay kinilabutan itong ama sa larawan, nakapagtatakang isipin. Hindi naman kami
Yaong manga tinatampok ay ang guro na kukumpas “Ina ng Laging Saklolo” ang sa anak na tinuran;
mga batikan. At mas lalo namang hindi
Ng orkesta niyong bansa, sasaliw sa pahimakas. Agad mata’y nagluhaan sa ganoong nasaksihan
kami mga tulisan na dapat bantayan tulad
‘Ano’t yaong Ating Ina sa ganuon nakialam.’
Yaong tampok na awitin niyong gabi ng awitan ng zarzuelang ginagalawan.
Ay ang likha niyong guro na “Sa Ugoy Niyong Duyan”, Mandi’y yaong umaga rin sa may Carmel na simba- Sa bawat umpisa ng pagtatanghal, may
Alay na rin ng Maestro, Lucio San Pedro ang ngalan; han, panalangin kaming isinasambit na lalong
Bukod pa sa kanyang ina at ina ng magaaral. Itong ama ay tutugtog sa ilaya ng Manhatan,
nagbubuklod ng aming samahan. At sa
Panandaling hanap-buhay yaong anak iiwanan,
bawat eksena, may mga katauhan kaming
Bilang ninong nitong lingkod ang Maestro’y nalulugod Habang siya’y nakaratay sa banig ng karamdaman.
Na ang mahal kong kabiyak naghihintay na magdulot isinasabit na nakakapagbigay buhay sa
Niyong aming tanging bunso na sa araw na kasunod; Kaagad nga sa paguwi, ama ay nagmamadali aming panalangin.
Ang “Sa Ugoy Niyong Duyan”, magsisilbing pampatu- Upang agad paglingkuran ang anak nga kung palagi Napagtanto ko nganyon na
log. Sa sandali niyong sakit ng kanser na naghahari
maihahalintulad ang buhay sa isang
Naghaharing kamatayan, huling hingang panandali.
zarzuela. Iba’t ibang tao sa iba’t ibang
Yaong sikat na Soprano, taong tatlumpong nagdaan;
Ngayong dito sa Nuweba York saka naman natagpuan; Sa tanong ko ng pagbati, kalagayan niyang hinti papel sa iba’t ibang tagpo ng iba’t ibang
Sa pagawit ng pag-ugoy muli kong inanyayahan Tugon ay katahimikan at umid na manga labi karanasan. Iba’t ibang galaw sa iba’t ibang
Kay Jose ko na yumao, nawa’y kanyang maawitan: Tumitig na malumanay at nagsuka na palagi kulay ng iba’t ibang dahilan sa iba’t ibang
Tila baga huling hiling, anak ng lingkod na muli.
mundo. Iba’t ibang bilang sa iba’t ibang
“Sana’y ‘di nagmaliw ang dati kong araw
paraan sa iba’t ibang dibuho ng iba’t ibang
Nang munti pang bata sa piling ni Nanay “Ano baga’t yaong ropa na suot ko, ‘di tuwina,
Nais kong maulit ang awit ni Inang Mahal; ay ito ngang may larawan na dibuho niyong Ina; daigdig.
Awit ng Pagibig, habang ako’y nasa duyan. Tila baga sinasaad na sa atin paanyaya: Iisa lang ang nagbubuklod: ang
‘Ina ng Laging Saklolo’ ay atin ngang makilala.” katauhang umukit at humubog. Siya rin
Sa aking pagtulog na labis ang himbing
ang nagsulat at gumawa ng kuwento at ang
Ang bantay ko’y tala, ang tanod ko’y bituin; Matapos ang ilang taon, heto namang muli, ngayon
musikero na naglapat ng tono. Masasabi ba
Sa piling ni Nanay, langit ay buhay; Nagbalik sa aming buhay yaong si Fr. Mike Bacleon;
Puso kong may dusa’y sabik sa ugoy ng duyan. Sa simbahang St. Emeric binabakas ang kahapon; nating Diyos lamang ang itinutukoy ko?
Kami ng aking maybahay pasasalamat ang tugon. Marami pang Alfredo, Conchita at
Nais kong maulit ang awit ni Inang Mahal . . . Teban sa mga panahong ito. Marami
O Ina . . . O Ina . . . O Ina . . . “ Sa sandali ng pagtugtog araw ng Sabado nuon;
pang mga Kastila at himagsikan sa buhay
Titik ni Levi Celerio Sino bagang magsasabi yaon na ang huling hapon
na ito. Iba na siguro ang mga pangalan.
Himig ni Lucio San Pedro Niyong aming paghaharap, ligaya ng pagtutuon;
Halik niya’y huling halik sa aking giliw nabunton. Ngunit parepareho ang mga ginagalawan,
Mandi’y hindi makapasok yaong si Evelyn Mandac isinasambit at isinasabit.
Dahil sa dami ng taong nakiramay at nagpuyat Sa pagsapit ng Miyerkoles dapat siya’y magbabalik; Ang buhay nga naman. Isang
Sa misa na idinaos, umawit si Gloria Sambat; Yaong misa at nobena tila lahat nasasabik;
Zarzuela.
At ang huling pahimakas, walang iba’t si Fr. Mike: Si Fr. Mike ay magisngan, kanyang tinig ay marinig;
Hiwaga ng Pagkabuhay, lagi niyang sinasambit.
“Bakit baga sa sandali ng aking pagmamadali
9
The Filipino Catholic • May 12 - June 9, 2010 • Page
SACRAMENTALS
thE GOOd ShEPhErd
One of the ancient imagery which refers to God,
shepherd as an occupation was first mentioned in The St. Benedict Medal
Genesis 4: 2. Abel was a “keeper of the sheep”
in contrast to his brother who was a “tiller of the
Why is the St. Benedict medal one of the most sought
ground.” Many important figures in Israel’s history
after medals in the world? What are some of the graces
were pastoralist (the other term for shepherd) like
and miracles associated to this sacramental? Who was
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Jacob’s sons, Moses and
St. Benedict and what made him so famous?
David. The economic importance of this animal
The St. Benedict medal was one of the first medal
meant that many villagers and townspeople tended
sacramentals in the Catholic Church. Its greatest use
flocks either in part-time or full-time basis. In ad-
has been for St. Benedict’s protection from evil. People
dition to being a major sacrificial animal, sheep
place the St. Benedict medals on windows, over doors,
provided the people of ancient time meat, milk, fat,
in the ground, in their cars, boats, campers, on machin-
by Deacon Rolando V. Nolasco wool, skin and horns. They still do in our present
ery, computers, telephones and wear or carry them on
time. Many years back, I had the opportunity to themselves for protection against the evil ones. There by Scapular John
have worked in Saudi Arabia as a veterinarian.
are countless stories attesting to this fact.
I was privileged to witness what is described in the Scriptures about shepherds and the
Fr. Gabriel Amorth in his book called, An Exorcist Tells His Story, Fr. Gabriel tells how
sheep. Outside the boundary of the farm I was working were surrounded by small herds
the devil during an exorcism revealed how he would have turned over the very vehicle
of sheep owned by Bedouins. Instead of herding these animals on foot though, owners
the priest came in if it had not been for the pious driver having the St. Benedict medal in
conveniently move them in pick-up trucks to better pasture. The sheep continues to be a
his pocket.
thriving venture for them even though more and bigger farms are established every now
In Ralph’s Sarchi’s book, Beware the Night, a best seller, he talks about putting a
and then sitting on vast tract of lands.
spiritual barrier around your property by the use of St. Benedict medals. A medal is
I truly understand the representation of God as our Shepherd and we are the sheep of
buried in each corner of one’s property and the St. Michael’s prayer is said while going
His flock. As a young boy, I helped my father in his business as a livestock buyer. I as-
from corner to corner.
sisted in taking care of the animals he bought while waiting for the boat to bring them to
One lady had upstairs neighbors that were intolerable. Using the medals and a nine-
Manila. After school and on weekends, I would pasture these animals and provided them
day novena for St. Benedict’s intercession the people moved out.
with drinking water so that they do not lose weight. It could be boring watching these
During exorcisms and deliverance work St. Benedict is asked for his intercession in
animals but I knew I had to be diligent and extra careful in watching them so they do not
casting out devils. Many of our foods, drinks and medicines are heavily cursed. One can
go astray. They have the potential to forage on crops if allowed to roam on their own.
place the medal against the food and/or medicine or in the drink momentarily and ask St.
Psalm 23 identifies the basic task of shepherd:
Benedict’s intercession to break any curses and bless what it touches.
“let the flock rest in fields of green grass, lead
to quiet pools of fresh water, guide in right
path.” Shepherd protects them from intrud-
ers and predators especially the young ones.
During inclement weather conditions, they
are provided shelter. The understanding of our
loving God as a Shepherd is indeed fitting for
what He does for us. Recall that during the
exodus of the Israelites out of Egypt, the Lord
protected them from the harsh elements of the
desert. The clouds hovered over them at day
and the light leading them at night. Manna and
quails sustained them and water gushed forth
from the rock. Thus the psalmist professes to
have everything he needed with the Lord as So who was St. Benedict? St. Benedict was born in Central Italy. He had a twin
his Shepherd. Old Testament Scriptures at- sister who became known as St. Scholastica. They lived around the early 1500s. He
test that God as Shepherd never abandons us preformed many astounding miracles in his lifetime. He died March 21 in the year 543
especially in most difficult moments. The lost at 63 years of age. He founded about a dozen monasteries and lived a very austere life
He seeks out by leaving behind the rest of the and established a way or rule of life monks. Once, some bad monks gave him a glass
flock in safety and gently holding in His arms of wine with poison in it. St. Benedict made the sign of the cross over it and the glass
once found. He manifests great joy finding the shattered. He reasoned the sign of the Cross took victory over evil. This is why one who
one that goes astray. He binds the wounded piously wears a St. Benedict medal is protected from dying by poison. The very medal
and nurses the sick back to health. itself has the letters to this effect, I.V.B. Ipse Venena Bibas, which translated from Latin
On the other hand, sheep like us, easily means, “Drink your poison yourself.”
and often astray away from the flock. Seem- The medal with its association to St. Benedict is effective against contagious disease,
ingly once lost, it has difficulty in finding sickness, overcoming storms, witchcraft and temptations of the devil.
the route back to the herd on its own. They Let’s look at some of the other symbols and their meaning that is found on the St.
are known to be meek and defenseless against common predators in the wild. The mild Benedict medal. On the front of the medal is the image of St. Benedict holding a Cross.
demeanor of the sheep is emphasized in the gospel according to Matthew to explain how . On the left is the cracked glass of wine. On the right is a crow that St. Benedict com-
false prophets come to deceive many. He wrote that these men appear in sheep’s clothing manded to take the poisoned loaf of bread away.
but are in fact, ravenous wolves. The reason why sheep are prone to astray is because of On the back of the medal is the cross. In each quadrant are the letters C.S.P.B. It means
their constant search for a better pasture nearby. I guess this observation really tells much Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti. It means The Cross of Holy Father Benedict. The letters in
of our human tendency to seek earthly goods rather than enrich our spiritual lives. How the vertical component of the cross are C.S.S.M.L. - May the Holy Cross be my light. The
many successful men and women have fallen from grace because of such attraction for horizontal letters are N.D.S.M.D. - Non Draco Sit Mihi Dux - May the dragon be not my
things of the world? So we need our Shepherd to lead us to the right path. The gospel leader. These are some of the letters and meanings found on this unique medal.
warns us that “apart from God, we can do nothing” just like a branch cut off from the vine The St. Benedict medal requires an exorcism blessing on it to make it a proper sacra-
can never bear fruit. How comforting it is to meditate on the image of God with the lamb mental. Any priest can do this by reading and performing the prescribed prayer, wearing
lovingly held in His arms. the stole and using exorcised holy water. Some of the blessings that the priest places on it
Through all of human history, false prophets have flourished claiming to have been are: “by their good works deserve to obtain health of mind and body, your holy grace…
called by God. The Lord had expressed disgust upon leaders who have scattered and driven appear in your presence sinless and holy.”
away the people of His flock instead of caring for them. The prophet Isaiah further described There are many partial and plenary indulgences that can be obtained with the use of the
these leaders that “they do please and seek their own advantage” only. The prophet Ezekiel St. Benedict medal. It is the most highly indulgenced medal in the Catholic Church. For
clearly described what these shepherds only took care of their own needs. So the prophet a free list of these indulgences and how to obtain them and for more complete informa-
Jeremiah spoke the promise of the Lord that He himself will gather the scattered from tion about this medal, just write to us at the address below and enclose a self addressed,
every place. He will bring them back to the Promised Land. The Lord promised to raise stamped envelope.
leaders with hearts patterned after His heart. The Lord Jesus’ encounter with Peter before
going back to His Father’s place specifically gave him the mission to feed His flock. It is More information can be found about this sacramental at www.TheHolyFamily.com or
important to listen to the real pastors if we want to heed the voice of the Lord. write to us at Dove Tales, PO Box 3623, Easton, PA 18043. Or call us at: 718-224-5220
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Page • May 12 - June 9, 2010 • The Filipino Catholic